Above left: A runner takes advantage of the trail following the north branch of Jordan Creek in Silver Spring Park. to get some exercise. / Mike Penprase/News-Leader

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What’s in a name?

Springfield history buffs can consider at least two versions of how Jordan Creek got its name. One story involves a plan in the 1800s to build a bridge on Boonville Avenue across what was then considered an upper branch of Wilsons’ Creek. People living along the north side of the creek feared being taxed for the bridge. An aggravated south-side resident referred to “Jordan’s stormy banks,” according to a booklet about Jordan Creek written by Loring Bullard, retired Watershed Committee of the Ozarks executive director. A more plausible story is that parishioners of early African-American churches used the creek for baptisms, Bullard wrote. The creek’s popularity as a baptism site earned it the name Jordan.

Part of city history

Jordan Creek’s status downtown has varied through Springfield’s history. In the city’s early days, the creek was seen as a source of clean water. But industrial development, pollution and periodic flooding turned the creek into a liability. By the 1930s, part of the creek was confined in a covered concrete channel to control flooding. People like Missouri State University student Rebekah Clark want to see Jordan Creek play a more desirable role. Clark was among MSU students who turned out for a creek cleanup last Saturday. She said she’s paying more attention to Jordan Creek while interning with the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks. “The fact we’re here — 100 people are here — cleaning it is progress,” Clark said.